Autumn has arrived! The days are getting shorter, the leaves are changing to shades of crimson and gold, the temperature is dropping, and many are eager for the spooky season to begin. An array of changes are underway in the natural environments throughout the community, and a plethora of events are being held to celebrate the transition into Autumn. From pumpkin patches to haunted trails, here is an insight into the festivities being held across Colchester this autumn.  

The change of season is celebrated by everyone within the local community- no matter the age! Robyn Norris, activities coordinator at St. Dominics Residential Home, Kelvedon, says “Autumn is an exciting time for the residents. Residents have enjoyed reminiscing on the Autumns of their pasts; spent picking and bottling fruit, making jams, chutneys and wines and attending harvest festival services at church.” Whilst reminiscing on past Autumns, the residents have also been celebrating Autumn of the modern day. From visits by the Vicar and harvest festival services, to arts and crafts activities celebrating the colours and textures of the new season, there has been no end to the festivities. Even though Autumn has changed significantly over the past decades, with many spending the season awaiting Halloween and trick or treating, St. Dominics is ensuring the simplicity of celebrating the local nature and goods of the harvest is not forgotten. 

The arrival of Autumn means spooky season is upon us- and people love to be frightened. With Halloween being a defining part of Autumn as we know it, many are keen to enjoy the festivities. The Colchester Zoo Trail of Terror is the perfect fright inducing experience to enjoy this Autumn. Running across 7 nights in October, the Trail entails scare actors dressed up in masks and costumes fit to frighten, lining a trail running throughout the zoo which is fully decorated for the occasion. The trail is accompanied by an array of hot food and drinks, as well as an opportunity for photos- leading to an overall memorable and spook-tacular evening that you don’t want to miss! 

Halloween isn’t complete without a pumpkin to carve. Since the 19th Century, jack-o'-lanterns have been carved to celebrate the holiday and have become an iconic symbol of Halloween. Across Colchester, there are an array of pumpkin patches that provide the perfect opportunity for you to pick out your dream pumpkin to take home and carve. Foxes Farm Produce, Colchester, offers the choice to browse the pumpkin patch during the day or in the evening until October the 31st, with a spooky twist and a range of food and refreshments available. 

Autumn is a season worth celebrating, and Colchester is ensuring there is no end to the festivities!